Helping HANDS

PRACTICAL WAYS TO ASSIST AN UNWELL LOVED ONE

- By Belad Al-karkhey.

Being there for a loved one who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer can often feel impossible. But simply sitting, listening or even just holding their hand can be enough, according to the Cancer Council’s Lyrian Fleming-Parsley. "Being there for people we care about during times of grieving, such as with a terminal illness, is so important because it offers them comfort, connection and reassurance," she says. "Knowing you're not alone can make a huge difference." According to figures from the Cancer Council, last year an average of six Australians passed away from cancer every hour.